What a difficult time in life for a young man to lose a father. People like to say that these things happen for a reason to try to make people feel better, but sometimes you have to admit that maybe shit happens for no reason at all. Ugh.

I lost my Father less than a year ago and received all the usual symmpathetic sayings people offer at such time. None did me a lick of good, but I understood that they were just rtying to make me feel better so I appreciated the sentiment.

My thoughts go out to Dallas and his family. Losing my Dad was the worst thing that ever happened to me and I can't imagine that pain will be rivaled by many things (if anything) for the remainder of my life.I hope this young man proves to be stronger than me and can weather this storm a little better than I have.

I've never stalked . . . but is there a legit way to convey condolences to Crawford? Posting on a message board probably ain't it. And I sure am not going to try to Facebook him either. But I'd send a card, or the like, if there was a way to do it.

Mr Crawford. He's dealing with enough stuff right now if it was me I wouldn't want some random internet person saying "sorry for your loss". This is something that should be dealt with with his family and friends and has no place for internet message boarders.

I wonder if there is a way we can, "as an entire blog," put something on the front page. That way it wouldn't be from a person individually, but rather from the Michigan fan base. I do think sending something as an individual is way to personal as well.

I wouldn't want anyone on this board to turn into a creepy stalker. And from that perspective, your advice is sound.

HOWEVER, there's another side to this. in my experience the expression of caring from others--even relative stangers--can be one of the few bright spots in a time of devastating loss. To know that people heard the news and give a damn, and are sorry for what you're going through--that's really something.

It's really f*cking awful to lose a parent, and to have someone take a moment out of their day to acknowledge that? That is more comfort than the opposite, where you see the world going on as if nothing has happened while your whole life just turned upside down.

So, you mgobloggers who wanted to reach out? Your instincts aren't wrong on this, IMHO. But it's not clear to me that there's a way to do this that is respectful and not invasive of the family's privacy.

Dallas - For what its worth, there are many, many members of the MGoCommunity that are sending you well-wishes and are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. I know it is unsolicited advice but, as mentioned above, in such a great time of loss, try your best to remember all of the great times you shared with your father and keep him alive by being the best person you can be every day and by doing the things that you loved doing with him as much as you can. Let yourself grieve and cry and be sad - don't hold it inside. And let the memory of your father live within you for as long as you are able. Godspeed, young man.

It reminds me of Juwan Howard's grandmother dying just after he committed and never getting to see him play in college. Condolences to the Crawford family. And, for the record, I agree with those who think that, though well-meaning, a bunch of strangers trying to contact him during his time of grief would do more to hurt him than to help him.

I often thought that Howard found his "family" at the Children's Hospital. He had a reputation of practically living there while at Michigan. Hopefully, Crawford can find similar solace somewhere in Ann Arbor.

It may not be any solace, but perhaps to know that on the saddest day of this young man's life, it may have been his father's happiest-- knowing that his son had a great future ahead of him, confirming the work he'd done as a parent to set him off on his path.

Dallas, I don't know if you will read this, but I, like the rest of you new family, send you condolences and prayers. I earnestly hope you were able to share the great news of your commitment with your father before he passed and it brought him some joy.

In my senior year of high school a classmate of mine lost her father to an unexpected heart attack. The senior class became a great support system for her through a time which I can't imagine dealing with. I'm sure Dallas is a strong individual and has a strong support system around him. Dallas and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss of your father, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I lost my father and it was one of the most painful moments of my life.

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. - Leo Buscaglia

The very selfish part of me hope that he stays with Michigan through this very though part of his life. Certainly with the death of his father, additional family obligations may come up which result in him needing to stay closer to home. I have to say i am more excited by him than any other recruit we have committed, and that is saying a lot considering, i think dee will be awesome, in this system; and beyer will be like Roh 2.0.

Despite my comments above and desperately wanting a savvy d back to come to Michigan hopefully he does right by his family, can take care of business and still come to ann arbor.

Like so many others have echoed, may our thoughts and preys go out to him and his family.

His family, his close friends, The Michigan football coaches and family as well as the Michigan community will help Mr. Dallas Crawford feel as though he has gained at this time of loss! whoever is great with media relations and or technology will hopefully reach out somehow to this young man and his family with something official from the Michigan community! May the Lord and Holy Spirit be with you Dallas right now and as your days come ahead of you!